Taylor Swift’s most popular song, considering its chart performance and cultural impact, is “Shake It Off.” Want to explore more about Taylor Swift’s chart-topping hits and musical evolution? At WHAT.EDU.VN, we provide comprehensive answers to your burning questions. Dive deeper into song analysis, artist discography, and music trends, all while enjoying the convenience of our free question-and-answer platform. Discover Taylor Swift’s Billboard achievements, songwriting evolution, and top-charting singles.
1. Taylor Swift’s Chart Dominance
Taylor Swift has solidified her position as a dominant force on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Since her debut in 2006 with “Tim McGraw,” she has amassed an impressive collection of chart-topping hits and broken numerous records. As of December 14, 2024, Swift boasts 264 career charted titles, making her the most charted female artist in Hot 100 history. Her remarkable achievement includes 59 top 10 hits and 165 top 40 hits, both records among women artists. Swift’s 12 No. 1 songs tie her for the sixth-most leaders among all artists.
Taylor Swift’s journey through various genres, including country, pop, and adult alternative, has allowed her to consistently add to her Hot 100 legacy. In 2012, she earned her first No. 1 hit with “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.” In 2021, she challenged the notion that pop music caters only to shorter attention spans by achieving the longest No. 1 single in the chart’s history with “All Too Well (Taylor’s Version),” clocking in at 10 minutes and 13 seconds.
Swift achieved an unprecedented feat in 2022 when she monopolized the Hot 100’s top 10 with tracks from her album Midnights, led by the No. 1 debut of “Anti-Hero.” In 2024, she surpassed her record by charting the entire top 14 titles with songs from her album The Tortured Poets Department.
Beyond her chart triumphs, Swift was recognized as the first Woman of the Decade at Billboard’s 2019 Women In Music celebration. This honor acknowledged not only her commercial success but also her commitment to protecting creative rights, music education, literacy programs, cancer research, disaster relief, and the Time’s Up initiative. When she couldn’t reclaim the masters of her first six albums, she embarked on a new path by re-recording her catalog, earning even more chart honors, including her 2023 No. 1 hit “Is It Over Now? (Taylor’s Version) [From the Vault].”
2. Ranking Taylor Swift’s Biggest Hot 100 Hits
Taylor Swift’s most significant Billboard Hot 100 hits are ranked based on their weekly performance on the chart through December 14, 2024. The songs are ranked using an inverse point system, with weeks at No. 1 earning the highest value and weeks at lower spots earning the least. Due to changes in chart methodology over the years, eras are weighted differently to account for chart turnover rates during various periods.
2.1. Notable Songs Ranked 50-41
- “Fearless”: The title track from Fearless peaked at No. 9.
- “Bejeweled”: The dazzling Midnights track peaked at No. 6 on the Hot 100.
- “Sparks Fly”: This Speak Now fan favorite reached No. 17.
- “Begin Again”: “Begin Again” debuted and peaked at No. 7.
- “Picture To Burn”: This debut-era hit peaked at No. 28 in 2008.
- “Should’ve Said No”: Swift’s uptempo country jam peaked at No. 33.
- “Midnight Rain”: This Midnights track peaked at No. 5 in November 2022.
- “Everything Has Changed” feat. Ed Sheeran: This Red duet peaked at No. 32 in 2013.
- “Tim McGraw”: Swift’s debut single reached No. 40.
- “Eyes Open”: The second Hunger Games soundtrack single peaked at No. 19.
2.2. Memorable Songs Ranked 40-31
- “Red”: This promo single from the 2012 album peaked at No. 6.
- “Down Bad”: From The Tortured Poets Department, it debuted at No. 2.
- “Ours”: This single off Speak Now peaked at No. 13.
- “Mean”: Swift’s clap back at critics peaked at No. 11 in 2010.
- “Highway Don’t Care” Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift: This collaboration reached No. 22.
- “Fifteen”: This 2009 song peaked at No. 23.
- “All Too Well (Taylor’s Version)”: The expanded version topped the Hot 100.
- “22”: The Swift/Max Martin collaboration peaked at No. 20.
- “…Ready for It?”: This song debuted at No. 4.
- “Cardigan”: The lead single from Folklore topped the Hot 100.
2.3. Beloved Songs Ranked 30-21
- “Lover”: The title track from Swift’s seventh album reached No. 10.
- “White Horse”: This Grammy Award-winning track peaked at No. 13.
- “Today Was a Fairytale”: This song from the Valentine’s Day soundtrack peaked at No. 2.
- “Two Is Better Than One” Boys Like Girls feat. Taylor Swift: This single reached No. 18.
- “Willow”: The lead single from Evermore debuted at No. 1.
- “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart”: This song peaked at No. 3.
- “Back to December”: This ballad peaked at No. 6.
- “Lavender Haze”: The opening Midnights song peaked at No. 2.
- “Delicate”: This single peaked at No. 12.
- “Me!” feat. Brendon Urie: This collaboration surged to No. 2.
2.4. Popular Songs Ranked 20-11
- “You Need To Calm Down”: This song advocating for LGBTQ causes peaked at No. 2.
- “Is It Over Now? (Taylor’s Version) [From the Vault]”: This hit No. 1 in November 2023.
- “Our Song”: This single climbed to No. 16.
- “Fortnight” feat. Post Malone: This song spent two weeks at No. 1.
- “Karma” feat. Ice Spice: This single peaked at No. 2 in June 2023.
- “Teardrops on My Guitar”: This pop crossover peaked at No. 13.
- “Mine”: This lead single peaked at No. 3.
- “Look What You Made Me Do”: This became Swift’s fifth No. 1 song.
- “Style”: This single peaked at No. 6.
- “Wildest Dreams”: This song peaked at No. 5.
2.5. Top 10 Biggest Hot 100 Hits
- “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever (Fifty Shades Darker)” with Zayn: This duet rose to No. 2 in March 2017.
- “Bad Blood” feat. Kendrick Lamar: This hit No. 1 for one week.
- “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”: Swift’s first No. 1 stayed at the top for three weeks.
- “I Knew You Were Trouble.”: This anthem debuted at No. 3, eventually peaking at No. 2.
- “Love Story”: This fairytale-themed single peaked at No. 4 in 2009.
- “Blank Space”: Swift replaced herself at No. 1, spending seven weeks on top.
- “You Belong With Me”: This crossover hit peaked at No. 2.
- “Anti-Hero”: This debuted atop the Hot 100 and returned for additional weeks.
- “Cruel Summer”: This song topped the Hot 100 four years after its release.
- “Shake It Off”: Swift’s anthem debuted at No. 1 and posted four weeks at the top.
3. The Reign of “Shake It Off”
“Shake It Off” is Taylor Swift’s biggest charting single, marked by its significant milestones. This devil-may-care anthem demonstrated Swift’s pop dominance. The single debuted at No. 1 on the Hot 100 and spent four weeks at the top. Its nearly six-month stay in the top 10 solidifies its status as Swift’s biggest charting single.
4. Deep Dive into “Shake It Off”
“Shake It Off” is a song by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift from her fifth studio album, 1989 (2014). The song was released on August 18, 2014, by Big Machine Records as the album’s lead single. Swift co-wrote the song with its producers, Max Martin and Shellback. “Shake It Off” is an uptempo pop track with a strong drum machine beat. The song’s lyrics are about brushing off negativity and not letting others’ opinions affect you.
4.1. Composition and Lyrics
“Shake It Off” is an uptempo dance-pop song with influences of bubblegum pop, funk-pop, and a marching band-style drumbeat. According to the sheet music published at Musicnotes.com by Kobalt Music Publishing, it is written in the key of G major and has a tempo of 160 beats per minute. Swift’s vocals span from G3 to D5. The song features a saxophone solo performed by session musician Dan Higgins.
The lyrics of “Shake It Off” address how Swift deals with the constant criticism and scrutiny she faces in the media. The song encourages listeners to ignore negativity and focus on enjoying life. In the pre-chorus, Swift sings about her clumsy tendencies and romantic missteps. The chorus emphasizes the importance of shaking off the hate and moving on: “Shake it off, I shake it off.”
4.2. Critical Reception
“Shake It Off” received generally positive reviews from music critics. Many praised its catchy melody and empowering message. However, some critics found the lyrics to be repetitive and simplistic.
Billboard called it “an undeniable pop smash” and praised its “infectious” chorus. Rolling Stone described it as “a hyper-catchy, self-empowerment anthem.” Time magazine lauded the song’s “irresistible” beat and “positive” message.
4.3. Commercial Performance
“Shake It Off” was a commercial success, topping the charts in several countries. In the United States, it debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Swift’s second number-one single on the chart. It remained at the top for four non-consecutive weeks and spent nearly six months in the top 10.
The song also reached number one in Australia, Canada, Hungary, New Zealand, Poland, and South Africa. It peaked within the top 10 in many other countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, and France.
“Shake It Off” has been certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for selling over 10 million units in the United States. It is one of Swift’s best-selling singles worldwide.
4.4. Music Video
The music video for “Shake It Off” was directed by Mark Romanek and premiered on August 18, 2014. The video features Swift trying out various dance styles, including ballet, hip-hop, jazz, and cheerleading. Throughout the video, she struggles to master the different styles, emphasizing the song’s message of embracing imperfections and shaking off negativity.
The music video received over 30 million views on YouTube in its first 24 hours, breaking the record for the most views in a single day. As of December 2024, the video has over 3.2 billion views.
The video received mixed reactions from critics. Some praised its lightheartedness and humor, while others criticized its cultural appropriation.
4.5. Live Performances
Swift has performed “Shake It Off” on numerous occasions, including the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards, the 2014 American Music Awards, and the 2015 Brit Awards. She also included the song on the setlists of her 1989 World Tour (2015) and Reputation Stadium Tour (2018).
Her performances of “Shake It Off” are known for their energetic choreography and elaborate stage production.
5. Other Notable Taylor Swift Songs
Besides “Shake It Off,” Taylor Swift has a plethora of other songs that have achieved significant commercial and critical acclaim. Some of these include:
5.1. “Love Story”
“Love Story” is a song by Taylor Swift released in 2008 as the lead single from her second studio album, Fearless. The song is a modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. It peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and is certified 8× Platinum by the RIAA.
5.2. “You Belong With Me”
“You Belong With Me” is a song by Taylor Swift released in 2009 as the third single from Fearless. The song is about a girl who is in love with her best friend but he is dating someone else. It peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and is certified 7× Platinum by the RIAA.
5.3. “Blank Space”
“Blank Space” is a song by Taylor Swift released in 2014 as the second single from 1989. The song is a satirical take on Swift’s public image as a serial dater. It peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and is certified Diamond by the RIAA.
5.4. “Bad Blood”
“Bad Blood” is a song by Taylor Swift featuring Kendrick Lamar, released in 2015 as the fourth single from 1989. The song is rumored to be about Swift’s feud with fellow pop star Katy Perry. It peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and is certified 6× Platinum by the RIAA.
5.5. “Anti-Hero”
“Anti-Hero” is a song by Taylor Swift released in 2022 as the lead single from her tenth studio album, Midnights. The song explores Swift’s insecurities and anxieties. It debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming her ninth number-one single on the chart.
6. Taylor Swift’s Impact on the Music Industry
Taylor Swift has had a profound impact on the music industry. She is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 200 million records sold worldwide. She has won numerous awards, including 14 Grammy Awards, and is known for her songwriting abilities and her connection with her fans.
6.1. Songwriting Prowess
Swift is widely recognized for her songwriting skills. Her songs often tell stories and draw inspiration from her personal experiences. She is known for her ability to craft catchy melodies and relatable lyrics that resonate with a wide audience.
6.2. Business Acumen
In addition to her artistic talents, Swift is also a savvy businesswoman. She has successfully navigated the complexities of the music industry and has taken control of her own career. Her decision to re-record her early albums after a dispute with her former record label is a testament to her determination and business acumen.
6.3. Advocacy for Artists’ Rights
Swift has been a vocal advocate for artists’ rights. She has spoken out against unfair industry practices and has used her platform to raise awareness about the importance of protecting creative rights.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Taylor Swift’s Music
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What was Taylor Swift’s first single? | Taylor Swift’s first single was “Tim McGraw,” released in 2006. |
| How many No. 1 hits does Taylor Swift have? | As of December 2024, Taylor Swift has 12 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. |
| What is Taylor Swift’s best-selling album? | Taylor Swift’s best-selling album is 1989, released in 2014. |
| How many Grammy Awards has Taylor Swift won? | Taylor Swift has won 14 Grammy Awards. |
| What genres does Taylor Swift explore in her music? | Taylor Swift explores various genres, including country, pop, and adult alternative. |
| What is “Taylor’s Version” about? | “Taylor’s Version” refers to Taylor Swift’s re-recorded albums, which she created to regain ownership of her master recordings after a dispute with her former record label. |
| What is Taylor Swift’s most recent album? | As of December 2024, Taylor Swift’s most recent album is The Tortured Poets Department, released in 2024. |
| What is Taylor Swift’s longest song to hit No. 1? | Taylor Swift’s longest song to hit No. 1 is “All Too Well (Taylor’s Version),” which clocks in at 10 minutes and 13 seconds. |
| What is the Eras Tour? | The Eras Tour is Taylor Swift’s ongoing concert tour, which celebrates all of her different musical eras. |
| How has Taylor Swift advocated for artists’ rights? | Taylor Swift has advocated for artists’ rights by speaking out against unfair industry practices and using her platform to raise awareness about the importance of protecting creative rights. |
| What are some recurring themes in Taylor Swift’s songwriting? | Recurring themes in Taylor Swift’s songwriting include love, heartbreak, personal growth, and reflections on her experiences in the public eye. Her ability to connect with listeners through honest and relatable lyrics has been a key factor in her enduring popularity and success. |
| What are some of Taylor Swift’s signature songwriting styles? | Taylor Swift is known for her narrative songwriting, often crafting detailed stories within her songs. She also frequently uses bridges to add emotional depth and surprise twists to her compositions. Additionally, her clever use of metaphors and vivid imagery helps to create memorable and impactful songs. |
| How has Taylor Swift influenced other artists? | Taylor Swift has inspired many artists with her songwriting, business acumen, and advocacy for artists’ rights. Her success has shown aspiring musicians that it’s possible to maintain creative control while achieving mainstream success. She has also encouraged other artists to speak out about issues they care about. |
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